Throttled (Dirty Air, #1)

by Lauren Asher

“If you’re not yet aware, my brother is Santiago Alatorre.” Her eyes bulge out of her head. “No way. I can totally see it now that you mention it though. He’s got that young Spanish hottie vibe going for him.”

These racers and their egos, fragile little things.”

He’s the guy your dad threatens to bury in a cement block.

“But Noah has a right to be confident, being a three-time World Championship winner and all at such a young age. He can race for years to come if he wants.”

“Lovely. Nothing like a good playboy story to start the year off strong.”

“You know, Sophie, I think you and I are going to get along fine.”

We clink our water bottles together, cheering to our new friendship.

Turns out Sophie and I mesh well together.

We both love listening to the Jonas Brothers, eating the same Ben and Jerry’s ice cream flavor, and shopping at Zara instead of Fendi.

She may become my favorite person during this whole Championship business.

Sophie and I both swoon at the Englishman in front of us, his accent packing a punch.

Theyre so real

“I’m Maya Alatorre and this is Sophie Mitchell.” Go me for getting the words out.

Sophie practically drools on her dress, unprepared for the hotness that seeps out of F1 racers. I tried to warn her earlier.

Sjes so real

I wish Santi had an unattractive teammate because I’d describe this experience as the worst kind of punishment.

“Even the best need to get motivated. We drive cars at super speeds, so it can still be intimidating as fuck.”

Racers take off down the course once the lights fade from above the grid. The smell of fuel fills the air, strangely calming me.

The Bandini cars spin around like two red yo-yos across the track,

Redbull crash

My brother’s eyes flare. “I already said I’m sorry twice, Slade. Do you want to kiss and make up?”

Ate

Last-name dropping and the sarcasm dripping from Santi’s voice is never a good sign.

Ugh. Why does he have to be my brother’s racing rival?

I sneak glances at Noah because what is a girl to do during the rest of a boring meeting. He catches me staring at him, making my cheeks flush.

And that wicked smile he sends me when the cameras stop rolling? The one promising more? Yup. I see it. Oh man, I’m in trouble.

Get your head out of the pit lane, Noah.

“Any last words you want to share with Bandini fans?” She nudges me with her elbow. “Tune in next week to see me kick Santiago’s ass.” I smile at the camera.

“Spoken like the conceited athlete we all know. See you next time.”

Noah even tugs on my ponytail now whenever he passes by me.

Hooking up with Noah is the same as picking up two BOGO pints of Ben and Jerry’s.

Noah is a force to be reckoned with.

His confidence is well-deserved because the guy is a badass behind the wheel with spot-on instincts and fast reflexes.

Talk about awkward. Sophie and Liam have enough sexual tension between the two of them to make me sweat.

Noah screws up everything inside of me, including my common sense.

Liam whispers a few sweet nothings into Sophie’s ear. Every time he says something to her, she takes a chug of wine like a messed-up drinking game between the two of them.

“We’re on a double date.” Liam blushes while rubbing the back of his neck. “Oh, a double date? Mind if I crash it for a second?” Noah doesn’t mean to ask for permission, seeing as he commandeers the situation.

DYINGGGGG

“You have a little accent. But it’s cute,” Noah says.

Jax and Liam stare at Noah. Even Noah looks surprised at what came out of his mouth while another hand runs through his hair.

Noah unexpectedly wraps his arm around my waist while we wait for the driver to pick us up at the valet area.

“Thanks for dinner. We will have to do this another time.” I give Liam and Jax quick hugs. “Un-fucking-likely,” Noah says the word low enough for only me to hear.

“Do you know she used to steal Santi’s kart and ride it around the neighborhood? She was only five years old. Santi exploded when she put a couple of unicorn stickers on the steering wheel.”

This life is all I know, and it brings me comfort to put on my helmet. Honey, I’m home.

Watching her happy makes my heart clench like a chick.

With Maya, the most beautiful thing about her is how her eyes light up with happiness when she grins, an infectious smile that makes my lips turn up every time. Her beam is hands down one of my favorite things.

Fans call Noah the American Prince.

Holy shit. Noah totally threw the race. Why would he lose?

I think I like Noah Slade.

yeahhh me too

“Turn around. I’ll help you.” Is it possible to die of a heart attack at twenty-three? What are the stats?

“What are the chances of dying of a heart attack at twenty-three? Seriously, you’re googling this? I didn’t know I had such an effect on you. You flatter me.”

Noah has the sex appeal of about one hundred men combined, making this whole process hard.

Thou shall not bang your brother’s teammate rings in my ears, a new mantra for me by now.

He tugs on my ponytail. I smile up at him because somehow it’s become our thing.

How can he be so hot yet so cute at the same time? Troubling.